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liraglutide
Used for Management with Incretin-based Therapies, Weight loss
Used for Management with Incretin-based Therapies, Weight loss
Saxenda (generic name liraglutide) is a once-daily injection given under the skin that's used for weight loss. It's approved for certain adults and children ages 12 years and up. And it works best when used along with a balanced diet and exercise. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) comes as a prefilled pen you use to inject your dose. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What is Saxenda (liraglutide)?
What is Saxenda (liraglutide) used for?
- Weight loss and long-term weight management in:
- People ages 12 years and older with a body weight greater than 132 lbs and obesity
- Adults who are considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
How Saxenda (liraglutide) works
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, or GLP-1 agonist for short. This means that it works like GLP-1, a hormone in your body that helps control your appetite.
By acting like GLP-1, the medication helps slow your digestion and makes you feel more full after you eat. This can help with weight loss.
When does Saxenda (liraglutide) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Saxenda |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | GLP-1 agonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Saxenda (liraglutide) essentials
Side effects of Saxenda (liraglutide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Adults:
- Nausea (39%)
- Diarrhea (21%)
- Constipation (19%)
- Vomiting (16%)
- Injection site reaction (e.g., redness, itching, rash; 14%)
- Headache (14%)
- Low blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)
- Indigestion (10%)
Children 12 years and up:
- Nausea (42%)
- Vomiting (34%)
- Diarrhea (22%)
- Low blood sugar (15%)
- Stomach inflammation (13%)
- Dizziness (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
Adults:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Acid reflux
- Bloating
- Burping
Children 12 years and up:
- Fever
- Stomach discomfort
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Injection site pain
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
Saxenda (liraglutide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Pancreas or gallbladder problems: stomach or back pain that won't go away, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, blurred vision, feeling very hungry
- Kidney problems: changes how often you urinate, blood in your urine, swollen feet or ankles, lower appetite, muscle cramping
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing; hives; itching; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
When do Saxenda (liraglutide) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Indigestion
Dizziness
More on Saxenda (liraglutide) side effects
The following Saxenda (liraglutide) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
- Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
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$1261.15
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Pros and cons of Saxenda (liraglutide)
Pros
- Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise
- Can take with or without food, at any time during the day
- Okay for children 12 years of age and older weighing more than 132 lbs with obesity
Cons
- Must inject once a day
- Can cause stomach upset
- Doesn't come with pen needles (must get them separately)
Pharmacist tips for Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Before using Saxenda (liraglutide), a healthcare professional should show you how to use and inject the medication. They'll make sure that you can do it properly and safely on your own. Read the Instructions for Use and reach out to your care team if you have any questions.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) alone might not be enough to keep weight off for good. Also follow your prescriber's or nutritionist's advice on eating lower-calorie meals and staying active. This helps the medication work as best it can to help with weight loss.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) often causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting as side effects. This is more likely to happen when you first start the medication and when your dose gets raised. They can happen because the medication affects how fast food moves through your stomach.
- If you have stomach upset from Saxenda (liraglutide), there are some ways to help manage this. Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. Also, eat smaller meals and avoid high-fat, fried, or spicy foods so it's easier on the stomach.
- Let your care team know if the side effects from Saxenda (liraglutide) start to bother you too much, become severe, or get in the way of your daily life. Your care team can recommend other ways to manage these side effects. And your prescriber can adjust your Saxenda (liraglutide) dose to help.
- It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Saxenda (liraglutide). Alcohol can cause similar side effects as the medication, such as nausea and an upset stomach. It can also add "empty calories" to your diet, which might not help with weight loss. Talk to your care team about your drinking habits and how to take the medication in a safe way.
How to use Saxenda (liraglutide):
- Only use the Saxenda (liraglutide) pens and needles that your pharmacy gives you. Don't share or reuse needles or pens. This is because it can raise the risk of infections or of spreading infections to others.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) doesn't come with pen needles. You'll need to get NovoFine disposable needles that are up to a length of 8 mm. Ask your healthcare team or pharmacist if you need more pen needles. In some states, you might need a prescription for the pen needles.
- Prepare a new Saxenda (liraglutide) pen before using: Check the pen flow before using a new pen. After attaching a needle, turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol ("–"). Hold the pen with the needle up, then press in the dose button until you see "0" line up with the dose pointer. You should see a drop of medication at the needle tip. This helps make sure the pen is working properly.
- Attach a new needle onto your Saxenda (liraglutide) pen before each injection: Wash your hands and check that the pen is for the correct medication and dose. Get a new needle and take off the paper tab. Then, push the needle straight onto the pen and twist to tighten it on. Using a new needle each time helps prevent infection, leaks, and blocked needles.
- Where to inject Saxenda (liraglutide): Inject the medication under the skin in your stomach area or thigh. If you have someone helping you, they can also inject it into the fatty area on the back of your upper arm. Choose a different area to inject into each time to prevent skin irritation.
- How to inject Saxenda (liraglutide): Wipe the skin with an alcohol swab and let it dry fully. Select your dose on the pen. Then, insert the needle into your skin with the dose counter facing you. Press the dose button down until the dose counter says "0" and you hear or feel a click. Slowly count to 6 before removing the needle from your skin. Take off the used needle and put it in a sharps container right away.
- Where to throw away used Saxenda (liraglutide) pens and needles: Throw away all used pens and needles in a sharps container. This helps keep you and others safe from accidentally getting hurt from needle sticks.
- If you miss a dose of Saxenda (liraglutide): Skip the missed dose and wait until the next day to inject your usual dose. Don't inject an extra dose to make up for one you missed because it can raise your risk of side effects. If it's been more than 3 days since your last injection, call your prescriber. You might need to restart at a lower dose to reduce side effects.
- How to store unused Saxenda (liraglutide) pens: Store unused pens in the refrigerator. Make sure not to let them freeze.
- How to store opened Saxenda (liraglutide) pens: After you start using a pen, you can keep it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep the pens away from too much heat or sunlight. Be sure to store the pen capped without a needle attached. The pen is good for 30 days after you first use it. After that time, throw away the pen into a sharps container.
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Risks and warnings for Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Possible risk for thyroid cancer
- Risk factors: History of MTC | History of MEN 2
In animal studies, Saxenda (liraglutide) was linked to a higher risk of thyroid cancers. It's not known if this medication has the same risk in people.
Because of this potential risk, don't use Saxenda (liraglutide) if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Also, don't use the medication if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Talk to your prescriber if you're worried about the risk of thyroid cancer with Saxenda (liraglutide). Tell them right away if you notice symptoms of thyroid cancer during treatment. Look out for any lumps in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice that doesn't go away, or trouble breathing.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Although rare, people taking Saxenda (liraglutide) have had sudden inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This can sometimes be serious.
Symptoms can include severe or long-lasting stomach pain that spreads to your back. You might also have a fever, nausea, or vomiting. If these symptoms happen, get medical help right away. You might need to stop taking Saxenda (liraglutide).
Gallbladder problems
- Risk factor: Losing weight very quickly
In rare cases, some people using Saxenda (liraglutide) have had gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder. Some needed surgery to remove the gallbladder. The risk of these problems is higher if you lose a lot of weight very quickly.
Watch for symptoms of gallbladder problems while using Saxenda (liraglutide). These include nausea, vomiting, sudden severe pain in your upper stomach or back. Let your care team know right away if you have these symptoms.
Low blood sugar
- Risk factor: Also taking insulin or medications that raise insulin levels in your body
Saxenda (liraglutide) can sometimes cause low blood sugar. This can happen in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Their risk is higher if they take some other diabetes medications, such as insulins or glipizide. In children, low blood sugar can happen even without diabetes.
If you have diabetes, tell your prescriber if you take any medications. They might adjust your diabetes treatment plan or ask you to check your blood sugar more often. This can help manage your blood sugar levels while you're using Saxenda (liraglutide).
Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar. You might feel shaky, weak, confused, nervous, or hungry. You could also have a fast heartbeat, sweat, or feel chills. It's important to know how to bring your blood sugar back up fast because very low blood sugar can be dangerous.
Faster heart rate
People who use Saxenda (liraglutide) can sometimes have a faster heart rate, even while at rest. In studies, adults had an average rise in their resting heart rate of 2 to 3 beats per minute. In children, heart rate increased by an average of 3 bpm to 7 bpm.
Your prescriber will check your heart rate during regular follow-up visits. Let them know if you have a racing heart or feel like your chest is pounding when you're at rest. In rare cases, you might need to stop using this medication if your heart rate stays high.
Severe stomach side effects
- Risk factor: History of gastroparesis
Saxenda (liraglutide) can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes, these can be severe.
Before starting treatment, tell your prescriber if you have any stomach problems. Saxenda (liraglutide) isn't recommended if you have severe gastroparesis. This is a gut condition that slows how your stomach empties.
Kidney problems due to dehydration
- Risk factors: Low fluids in the body | Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Some people taking Saxenda (liraglutide) have had kidney problems. In some cases, these problems can be serious. Your risk is higher if you become dehydrated from side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Tell your prescriber if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while using Saxenda (liraglutide). Because of the risk of dehydration and kidney issues, your prescriber might check your kidneys with blood tests. This helps them check that your kidneys are working well. Also let your care team know if you urinate less than usual. This can be a sign of a kidney issue.
Allergic reactions
- Risk factor: History of allergy to GLP-1 agonists
It's possible to have a serious allergic reaction to Saxenda (liraglutide). Tell your prescriber if you've had a reaction to other GLP-1 agonists. They can decide if Saxenda (liraglutide) is safe for you based on your history of allergic reactions to similar medications.
Call 911 right away if you have an allergic reaction. Watch for swelling in your face or throat, trouble breathing, hives, or other symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
- Risk factor: Undergoing surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia or deep sedation
Saxenda (liraglutide) slows how fast food leaves your stomach. With other GLP-1 agonists, food had stayed in the stomach during surgery even after fasting. It's rare, but it's led to a serious lung problem if the stomach contents get into the lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation.
Before any surgery or medical procedure, tell your care team that you're taking Saxenda (liraglutide). They can help keep you safe during the procedure and watch for this lung problem.
Saxenda (liraglutide) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 5 pens of 18mg/3ml of Saxenda (liraglutide) is $372.45 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 70.47% off the average retail price of $1,261.15. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $372.45 | $372.45 |
Typical dosage for Saxenda (liraglutide)
The usual starting dose is 0.6 mg injected under the skin once daily. Your prescriber will raise your dose every week until you reach a maintenance dose.
The usual dosing schedule is listed below.
- Week 1: Inject 0.6 mg under the skin once daily.
- Week 2: Inject 1.2 mg under the skin once daily.
- Week 3: Inject 1.8 mg under the skin once daily.
- Week 4: Inject 2.4 mg under the skin once daily.
- Week 5 and after: Inject 3 mg under the skin once daily.
The usual maintenance dose is 3 mg once daily. For children who can't tolerate this dose, they can use a lower maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once daily.
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How much does Saxenda (liraglutide) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Saxenda (liraglutide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Saxenda (liraglutide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
What are alternatives to Saxenda (liraglutide)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Saxenda (liraglutide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Saxenda (liraglutide) images
